P h o t o b y E d w a r d W . C h e s t e r @ T E N N
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Habitat:
Dry sandy openings, prairies, glades, barrens, dry woodlands.
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Species Description:
Perennial grass.
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Phenology:
Flowering Period: Early August to late October.
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Additional Information at NatureServe
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Diagnostic Characteristics:
Gymnopogons are known for their widely spreading branches of the infloresence. There are 8 or more spikelets per spike and the spikes are racemose along the axis of the infloresence. G. ambiguus differs from G. brevifolius in have the awn of the lemma 4-9 rather than less than 2 mm. The panicle branches bear spikelets for over half their length.
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Management:
Woody plant invasion may need to be controlled using periodic prescribed fire, mowing or other means to maintain the open character of the habitat for this species. Hand removal of trees in the vicinity of the species is necessary. Soil disturbance such as ATV trails, timber removal or any activity that results in increased erosion and weed invasion will be detrimental. Exotic pest plants are a threat to this species and should be removed.
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Global Range:
The historic range of Gymnopogon ambiguus is from Kansas east through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey; south along the Coastal Plain to Florida; and west to Texas.
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Known Kentucky Occurrences:
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